role of Victoria, his sister of milk, who gains a position of power within Gaul. The opening of the novel introduces Scanvoch as a descendant of a lineage that has faced seven generations of slavery before reclaiming their freedom. Through his reflections, we learn about the family's storied past, linking them to significant historical events and figures in Gaulish history. As Scanvoch prepares for a military expedition, he acknowledges the influence of Victoria, the "mother of the camps," highlighting her importance as a leader and matriarch amidst ongoing conflicts with both Romans and Franks. The passage sets the tone for an epic tale of heroism, family legacy, and the struggle for freedom as characters navigate the complexities of their shared history and forthcoming challenges. (This is an automatically generated summary.)